Thursday, April 2, 2020

Happy Thankful Thursday!


 Happy April and happy Thankful Thursday everyone!

During these stressful times, I am trying to stay positive and cheerful.  It is Spring and we are having some nice weather days. I am seeing and hearing more and more spring-summer birds now.  I keep hearing the Eastern Phoebe somewhere in my yard, I saw my first of the season Chipping Sparrow. I guess I should report I also saw the dreaded Brown-headed Cowbird on my deck.  I do enjoy all the happy bird sounds around my yard. 

 One day hubby and I took a walk on the fire road and to the lake.  The sky and clouds looked pretty. 

Update: not sure for the reasons, but the fire road walks along with fishing, kayaking and hiking are not allowed now due to the Covid-19. We rarely see other people on our walks, so I am not sure the purpose of closing down access to the reservoir. 


 Across the lake is the Bald Eagle nest. We missed seeing the eagles, one could be sitting low in the nest..


 A few Canada geese on the lake..


 You can just barely make out the lake/reservoir through these pine trees.


 Seen from the parking lot at the fire road and kind of far out in the field, but I noticed a group of Wild Turkeys.



Back at home on our driveway we noticed around 7 Great Blue herons flying around, I think there was also a juvenile Bald Eagle too. I could only capture this photo of the Great Blue Heron. The herons fly in circles to confuse the eagle and to protect their nest.





A pair of Eastern Bluebirds came back to check out one of the birdhouses, apparently a Carolina Chickadee already took over the house. The chickadee actually chased the female Bluebird away.



I am thankful and happy to see the Bluebirds are back at another one of my birdhouses.  Fingers are crossed that they stay and are successful nesting.

 I am always thankful for my library ebooks. MY latest books finished are:
New Tricks by David Rosenfelt, #7 in the Andy Carpenter series.
Dog Tags by David Rosenfelt # 8 in the Andy Carpenter series.
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear # 5 in the Maisie Dobbs series.




I am thankful to be well and virus-free and I hope all my blog readers are safe and healthy too. 

I am always thankful for your visits and the comments.



Live simple and be happy!  😊 Spread joy & happiness!


Thank you Michelle for hosting Thankful Thursday
Thank you to Yogi the host of   Skywatch Friday


Thanks so much for visiting and for your nice comments on my previous post. Have a happy day!


88 comments:

  1. Love the birds and the views, we are so limited to what we can see on a walk, just homes, empty streets, and friends here and way up North, As we keep in touch by phone, skype, and our blogs. Hope to see some babies in those high nests later on.

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    1. Hello Jean, thanks for the visit and comment. I hope you are well, taking care! Have a great weekend!

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  2. Beautiful series of photos of your walk Eileen.
    How wonderful that the bleubird are back to nest in your garden.
    Take care of yourself and stay healthy.
    Best regards Irma

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    1. Hello Irma, thank you for taking time to visit and comment on my post. Take care, stay well! Wishing you a happy day!

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  3. The Bluebirds make me wonder...so beautiful they are.
    Stay safe and happy you too, Eileen. Thanks!

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    1. Hello, the bluebirds are one of my favorites too, they are beautiful! Thanks for the comment. Take care and enjoy your day!

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  4. Hari Om
    Restrictions here are a bit haphazard, too, Eileen - but I guess we have to do what we have to do. Father and I have remained in place and have been fine. Thank heavens for our supermarkets getting more organised than the government... Thank you for these lovely images to aid the deep breathing!!! YAM xx

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    1. Hello Yam, I am thankful for all the workers, everywhere especially the supermarkets. Thank you for taking time to visit and comment on my post. Take care, stay well! Wishing you a happy day!

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  5. In our lockdown we are being asked not to go swimming, fishing, boating, hunting, surfing, kayaking etc. - apparently because if you get into trouble it would put others at risk to come and rescue you. One would think walking along the track would be alright though (we can only walk in our own neighbourhoods, so would have to live next door to do this).
    Thank-you for being so cheerful and happy in your post. I hope you continue in good health and keep smiling and enjoying every day :) Mxx

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    1. Hello M,
      I would not want to risk someone's life to rescue me, I would miss my local walks.
      Thank you for the visit and comment on my post. Take care, stay well! Wishing you a happy day!

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  6. Tão lindas sempre tuas fotos! Adorei! Ótimo ABRIL! beijos, chica

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    1. Hello Chica, thank you for taking time to visit and comment on my post. Take care, stay well! Wishing you a happy day!

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  7. I am not quite sure why you refer to the "dreaded" Brown-headed Cowbird, which is simply playing out its role in nature in exactly the way all the other species are. Didn't the opening of your blog once say that you love all creatures?

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    1. Hello David, I do love and respect all wildlife. The Cowbirds just are not my "favorite" bird. Thanks for the comment. Have a great day!

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  8. Gracias Eileen. Un gusto llegar aquí y ver tus fotos ahora que no podemos salir de casa. Estamos bien y deseando que pueda pasar pronto todo esto, que por desgracia se ha llevado ya a mucha gente en todo el mundo. Vamos a conseguir detenerlo.
    Cuídate amiga.
    Desde casa te mando este abrazo 🙅

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    1. Hello Laura,
      Sending {HUGS} back to you! Stay safe and take care!Have a happy day and a great weekend.
      Eileen

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  9. Hello Eileen,
    Beautiful photos, and the first one is so great! Thank you for sharing them. We need beautiful things to look at now in this difficult times.
    Happy Thursday!

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    1. Hello Marit, thank you for taking time to visit and comment on my post. Take care, stay well! Wishing you a happy day!

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  10. Hello Eileen!
    The two little birds are so beautiful ... I enjoyed them!
    Thank you for your comment on my blog. We live in a hard world now!
    Take care of yourself and stay healthy.
    Happy Thursday!

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    1. Hello Ella, I appreciate your visit and comment. I am sure we will be back to our "normal" soon.
      Take care and enjoy your day!

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    1. Thanks so much for the comment! Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  12. ...the Bluebird is the treat for me this morning, thanks Eileen.

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  13. The Bluebirds must have been a delight Eileen, but, hardly any cars, or people. It is great news for nature.

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    1. Hello, Bob! Yes, I think nature must be happy that people are not nearby. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  14. we have noticed the bird sounds more when walking. can't decide if there are more birds or we can hear them better because of the virus quiet of our neighborhood.. maybe some of both. sorry you cant acess this beautiful fire road

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    1. Hi Sandra, the bird sounds are louder in the Spring. Thanks so much for the comment! Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  15. I love seeing the bluebird! I hope they nest in your yard, Eileen!

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    1. Thanks, I hope the bluebirds are nesting here too. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  16. I'm thankful that your reminded me it's Thursday. I woke up to do Wednesday again, and couldn't make sense of it. Time has just morning till evening these days, no difference without things to go to.

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    1. Hello, Barbara
      The days are all running together, I guess it doesn't matter we can't go anywhere. Thanks so much for the comment! Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  17. i wonder about all of the closures too, everything here is closed too. nowhere to walk or ride a bike at all. they say people were not following social distancing rules, but i think people who were close together, probably live together so it did not matter. i miss the beach, the boardwalk, my bike paths...they say it should not matter because you are not allowed to leave your house. we are following the rules, i know they are to protect us but i think the exercise would be good for us!!!

    nice capture of the heron in flight and the bluebirds are beautiful. i always think of the bluebirds as cute. i am surprised the chickadee chased the bluebird, i guess they are aggressive over their nest no matter their size!!

    have a happy day!!!

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    1. Hi Debbie, The chickadee will protect it's nest, it was too late for the bluebirds to use the birdhouse.
      Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  18. You are reading two of my MOST favorite authors! I've been thinking about rereading some of these books. But I finally started a book last night that is holding my interest. Most of our trails are closed now even though we went sometimes and didn't see anyone! When they close trails....they close them all! BOOHOO! I'm having a little trouble with staying cheerful. Love your birds! They are a welcome treat this morning! Hugs!

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    1. Thanks Diane! The birds are always welcome!
      Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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    1. Thanks for the comment and visit. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  20. The Chickadees here do the same thing to our timid Bluebirds. They are tiny bullies. Love them anyway, though.
    Have a great sunny day!

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    1. I love the tiny Chickadee bullies too!
      Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  21. Beautiful photos Eileen, I love the little bleubird. Greetings Caroline

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    1. Hello Caroline! Thanks for the comment and visit. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  22. The Sky Is So Full Of Life - Another Beautiful Series Of Photos

    Cheers

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    1. Thanks for the comment and visit. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  23. Beautiful bluebird shots!!! I swear, I almost feel like I can see an Eagle on the nest...

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    1. Thanks Rose, I think the eagle was there, just tucked down low.
      Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  24. Sorry to hear your fire road is closed to you now. I had the same experience at a trail in Valley Forge. Other trails in PA are open (Commonwealth as opposed to Federal, I suppose). Bluebirds are just so beautiful, aren't they? Stay well!

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    1. Thanks Vera! I love the beautiful bluebirds! Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  25. Pretty pictures.

    Not a big birder, so this may be a silly question, but WHY is the cowbird "dreaded"?

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    1. Hello Dee, I say the cowbirds are dreadful because the female Cowbird will leave her eggs in another birds nest like a Cardinal. Making the Cardinal raise/feed the baby Cowbird as one of their own babies.
      The Cowbirds are lazy birds. I do love all the birds, the Cowbird is just not one of my favorites.
      Thanks for the comment. Enjoy your day!

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  26. Good morning!
    They are closing walking trails here, too. And like you, we see very few people on them, so why close them.
    I saw a Towhee here yesterday, but they are very shy birds, hard to get a photo.
    Love the Bluebird photos!
    Thanks for all your comments on my blog.

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    1. Thanks Lea! I wish all the trails were not closing, we need to walk. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  27. Good morning Eileen, Yes I am thankful for this day too. I have today and tomorrow before I go back to work, and having these days off have been wonderful. Just like your lovely photos, all beautiful moments in nature! Enjoy your day too!

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    1. Hello Karen, enjoy your last days off. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  28. You never fail to take us to places and even bring us to experience your adventures Eileen! That bald eagle nest looks huge to me and those wild turkeys seem to enjoy their time away from the world. Wish you best of health these days! Stay happy!

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    1. Thanks for the comment and visit. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  29. It's such a gift to live in a location where we can be outside and close to creation!

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    1. Hello Michele,
      Thanks for the comment and visit. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  30. I can only envy you that you have nowhere to go for a walk near your home. See even the lake and birds from afar. I don't have such pleasures. Be careful and best regards.

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    1. Hello Giga, we are lucky to have the forest and lake next to us! Thanks for the comment and visit. Take care! Wishing you a happy day!

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  31. Such interesting birds along the way, especially the wild turkeys.

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  32. So sorry to hear some of your open spaces are being closed. It seems ridiculous, when places that are essential to well-being and health are shut for no good reason. Covid-19 is being used as a justification for all sorts of nonsense.
    Love your photos - stay well!

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  33. Beautiful photos, Eileen. I love the two bluebirds, they are cute.
    Have a wonderful day, take care and stay safe.

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  34. lovely photos, sorry they closed the road you enjoy walking

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  35. Beautiful bird captures. Sorry to hear about things being closed down (fire road, fishing, etc.). That's a little hard to understand. As long are it doesn't draw crowds and social distancing is maintained, it seems like it should be allowed. They closed Joshua Tree National Park earlier this week. Prior to that is was closed to cars, but you could walk or bike in. That seemed more reasonable to me. Now you can't even hike in!!

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  36. I like your photos very much! Many of the birds don't live with us, it's nice to look at them, thanks!
    Have a great april and stay healthy!

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  37. What a beautiful area you live in. I love the open spaces and wildlife. We get turkeys walk through our subdivision with their whole family. They are cute.

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  38. Goodness, what a glorious place to take a walk, seeing all those lovely sights. Thank you for taking us along with you Eileen. Happy day and good health always :)

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  39. I keep waiting for Harry! Love your heron in flight and the sweet bluebirds!

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  40. Always enjoy seeing all your pictures.
    Too bad the fire road is closed!!

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  41. Hi Eileen...I agree many things that are being closed is not necessary. Im glad you got out and found some nice bits of nature to keep you engaged and happy. Have a great weekend!

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  42. So strange that they shut down some of your walks. They shut down the golf courses here recently. I didn't see what the risk was except maybe the check in staff and maybe the driving ranges. I just hope that we get through this and I think it may be until June or so, and then start up again next October.

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  43. I'm sorry to hear the firewalk area is now closed. I love the pretty bluebirds. Stay well!

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  44. dear Eileen i thoroughly enjoyed the virtual tour with you :)
    first image is divine and worth hanging on walls to infuse tranquility within mind and soul :)

    how amazing you observed so many lovely creatures on the way
    loved the bird most :)
    stay well and blessed as always!

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  45. What beautiful shots! We're having snow storms and gales.

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  46. Lovely photos, specially the bluebird, what a pretty bird! Nature can help us stay positive in these strange times

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  47. Our governor did the opposite and made all the state parks free, but having been out in some kind of park or on the trails I can understand closing them down. There are so many people out and some are just clueless about social distancing and there is no way to stay six feet apart in some situations no matter where I go. In the most remote places I can think of to bike, I'm going to see around six people at the least and of course a few pups. It is a motivation to ride faster as I pass so hopefully I'm getting stronger and better able to do that whether it helps or not.
    I'm hearing all sorts of birds and have been for the last few weeks, I envy you being able to identify them. Yesterday there was one or more frogs making enough noise to almost drown out the bird song, it made me chuckle. I haven't noticed turkeys, but then again I'm not going were they usually are much these days.

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  48. Lovely photos! I woke up to rain this morning here.

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  49. Oh how lovely that it seems you have spring around you ~ gorgeous nature shots ~ love them all ^_^

    Be Well,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  50. I came across your blog from Angie's blog. You have a very cheerful and beautiful blog..We love to go hiking,too. We have still been getting out for our walks even during this time around the neighborhood.. It is nice to get out and enjoy the beauty of nature.. So glad I stopped by.

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  51. Beautiful photos and glad you are out in nature. Our one resort for getting out of the house! Thanks for linking up and stay well!

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  52. It's interesting about places that are closed like here in eastern Washington all the fishing holes. Fishermen don't generally stand close together to fish. Love the flying heron shot!!

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  53. Wow. That first photo of the sky! Indigo blue...stunning capture. Eagles herons, and bluebirds. You made my day complete.

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  54. Every outdoor park and blade of grass is closed here too. We went to a fav walking and phototaking spot and like you we seldom see anyone---closed. I suppose they are closed for liability too
    MB

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  55. Hello Eileen,
    these are also stressful times and we have to wait and see what happens next. It is nice to read that you are happy to stay positive :-) Spring is now crawling out of its skin and we can enjoy the new world that will grow and bloom again.
    Greetings, Helma

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  56. É sempre uma maravilha, apreciar o encanto das suas imagens, que tantos detalhes bonitos, sempre nos proporcionam!
    Deslumbrante a vista do lago! Por aqui, também tenho notado o mesmo... com menos movimento de carros e pessoas, os animais, tornaram-se mais ousados... aves pousam nas varandas... reúnem-se em pequenos bandos, mesmo nas pequenas zonas verdes, em plena zona urbana... e ouve-se o seu canto muito mais, do que antes!...
    Vivemos mesmo tempos de stress, também aqui deste lado! Eu tendo a minha mãe de certa idade em casa... ando sempre com o coração apertado, de cada vez que vou às compras, pensando que a posso contaminar com algo... e os mais idosos, são o alvo preferido, desta epidemia! As compras, deixo-as à porta de minha casa... e arrumo-as à medida que as vou lavando, uma a uma... levando uma série de dias... sempre com receio da carga viral, que possa trazer, em cada vez que saio para o supermercado... e que possa ser fatal, para ela...
    Beijinhos! E cuidem-se todos, por aí!
    Ana

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  57. Birds are truly a comfort for the isolated population (at least those of us who know birds). I hate to think how awful we would feel if they forced us into futher isolation without birding!

    be well... mae at maefood.blogspot.com

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Have a happy day, Eileen

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